We’re bringing you a breakdown of our favorite looks for a formal occasion. We’ve picked out three of the top trends you can effortlessly achieve at home for less!
All of our looks are paired with up-do’s we’ve previously featured in our Easy Updo Ideas post.
Look #1: Classic Hollywood Glamour
This timeless look works perfect with any style dress. Usually my go-to look when it comes to formal events, it’s always on trend and always appropriate. This look is defined by a bold red lip, flawless skin and sultry (yet subtle) eyes combined with a classic, clean up-do or soft, flowing waves. Celebrity inspiration for this look comes from Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway.
MAKEUP: Since flawless skin is a major player here you want to start with a moisturizer and primer, like Almay’s Smart Shade Perfect Correct Primer, for a smooth base. Apply foundation with a foundation brush (this helps to create that airbrushed look). Use concealer in necessary spots after applying foundation to cover up any still visible blemishes. Set all makeup with a mineral powder. Apply a light colored peach-toned blush to the apples of your cheeks and hold off on the bronzer!
For eyes, start with a light base shadow in a neutral tone (tans and browns work well) and apply all over lid. Apply a liquid or gel liner (check our Gel vs. Liquid post to choose your fave) to the lash lines and extend a wing for a more dramatic look.
To complete your Hollywood Glam style, you’re going to need a dramatic lip! Our go to color is red, but you can change it up and opt for a nice orange lip (click here for Trend Hungry tips on Orange Lips!) which looks just as fab! Use our guide in that post to pick the perfect shade for your lips. For lasting color, start by lining lips (and even filling them in) with a liner that is an exact match or a shade lighter than your chosen shade. When you fill lips with liner and top with lipstick, it acts as a stain and doubles the life of your color!
HAIR: Pair this look with the Twist or the Sleek Pony!
Look #2: Effortless Boho Chic
Messy hair and natural makeup is so on trend right now and such an easy look to create! We love the laid-back Cali-girl vibe a la Nicole Richie and Blake Lively, who prove that a little can go a long way. This look complements a fun, flirty dress and is a good choice for low maintenance gals.
MAKEUP: The whole point of this look is to use makeup to enhance your natural features without looking “made up”. A fresh faced “dewy” look compliments the natural vibe (read more about Dewy vs. Matte looks), which can be achieved with tinted moisturizer, a good skin matching BB cream, and some cheek highlighter. These products combined create an even, gorgeous glow. Top off with a little bronzer. (watch our How-To Apply Bronzer vid here!)
Eyes and lips stay simple. Apply one layer of eye shadow in a neutral shimmer to give a subtle glow (the Naked Basics palette offers great shades). Add a press of liner along the top lash line to make eyes pop, curl lashes and apply 1-2 coats of waterproof mascara (which will stay in place all night!). On your lips, feel free to just apply a touch of nude, peach, or light pink gloss. I love love love the Body Shop’s Coconut gloss, subtle color and tastes so yummy!
HAIR: This boho chic getup looks so pretty with the Beyonce Braid, or add a little more edge with the funky top knot! If you’re going for the hair down look, don’t make a big fuss over perfect curls or waves, this look is all about looking natural and carefree.
LOOK #3: POP of Color!
Can I say how happy I am that color has finally made it’s way back into the beauty scene?! I mean it was all over the runway, stocked (and constantly selling out) in stores, and the best part is the ability of a pop of color to add tons of fun and vibrancy to any look! As stated before, if you’re going to go for this bold trend pick either your eyes or lips to emphasize, especially when working with bright colors. Anyone can rock this look, and it pairs well with any dress style! Great examples for this are Carly Rae Jepsen at the Grammys, where she rocked a black dress and electric blue shadow and liner and when Lea Michele sported a hot pink pout at the People’s Choice Awards.
Both ladies look stunning and knew how to play with color the right way! Now it’s your turn.
MAKEUP: This look is giving BoHo Chic a run for it’s money on the easiness scale. Since there’s really only one area of the face to accentuate, you’ll be done in no time! To start, prime and prep face just as you would for Look #1. Fill in brows with a pencil or gel filler. If opting for eyes, choose a color that will complement your dress (think within the same color family). I love Maybelline’s Color Tattoo eyeshadows. They are creaming and vibrant colors that will last all night. When going bold, stick to one shade and cover the entire lid (do not ever put bright color up to your brow bone, you’ll run the risk of looking too 80’s Madonna). Finish with a nude gloss or a neutral matte lipstick (NYX offers great shades). If you would rather bring attention to your lips, keep eyes very toned down. A good way to do this is to apply false lashes and nothing else. Falsies add volume, definition, and open up your eyes. You can pick up natural looking lashes by Ecotools at Ulta. Pick up two sets so you can practice one time before the big night! Now for the lips, start by moisturizing with a lip primer, like Sally Hansen Plumping Lip Primer, which will make the color last all night. The hard part is picking out the hue for the night! Our current fave is bright bubblegum pink, like this MAC shade. To save time and money, watch this Trend Bite video on How to Line Lips without Liner.
HAIR: This fun and fresh look can be paired with any hairstyle, up-do or down. Formal or funky, you choose!
Now that you have our top three fabulous, easy, and on-trend looks to choose from, pick your favorite and get ready for the best time ever! Have an unforgettable look you’re going to conquer this year that we haven’t covered? Comment and share your beauty secrets below!
